Legal grounds for continuing military service by servicemen after an unauthorized abandonment of a military unit
Keywords:
Military Service, Criminal Liability, Unauthorized Abandonment, Reinstatement, Military Justice Reform, Comparative Law, UkraineAbstract
This study dives into what actually happens when a Ukrainian soldier comes back to duty after leaving their unit without permission. The researchers didn’t just skim the surface-they went through 42 laws and court decisions from 2024 and 2025. They also looked at how the U.S., France, Germany, Canada, and the U.K. handle the same thing. Here’s the deal: Ukraine’s laws are still pretty tough and don’t really explain how someone can come back voluntarily or get their position back. Judges aren’t always consistent either, so no one really knows what to expect. In other countries, the approach is a lot more balanced. They mix discipline with support, even offer psychological help, and try to be fair while still holding soldiers responsible. The study doesn’t just point out the problems-it offers some solid fixes. It says Ukraine needs to set clear rules for judges and spell out how much authority commanders have. The researchers think Ukraine should also create a military ombudsman, so soldiers have someone to turn to if they run into trouble. And real rehab programs for those who want to return? Those are a must. Put all this together, and Ukraine’s system would be a lot closer to NATO standards, the laws would make more sense, and soldiers’ rights would actually mean something.
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